Niagara, Ontario – St. Catharines families can add taking a spin on the Lakeside Park Carousel to their Canada Day festivities this weekend.

After a six-week delay caused by record-breaking high water levels in Lake Ontario that saturated Lakeside Park, the carousel is set to open for the season Saturday, July 1.

“We are thrilled to be able to open up the Lakeside Park Carousel for the Canada Day weekend,” said Lori Mambella, the City’s manager of programs and culture services.

“We know our community has been waiting patiently for this day to come and we thank residents for their understanding. The Lakeside Park Carousel is one of the most beloved landmarks in Port Dalhousie and St. Catharines.”

Lakeside Park visitors can enjoy free rides on the carousel on Saturday, July 1 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. courtesy of the Friends of the Carousel.

The Lakeside Park Carousel will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. until Labour Day weekend (Sept. 2). The carousel will be open on weekends and holidays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. between Sept. 2 and Oct. 9. Rides are still only five cents.

The carousel is also available to rent for private functions and photo shoots. Visit http://www.stcatharines.ca/Carousel for more information about rentals and sponsorship opportunities.

The Carousel isn’t the only attraction opening in Lakeside Park though. The park’s new accessible playground, located beside the carousel, will also officially open to the public on July 1.

Carousel and playground-goers are advised that parts of the Lakeside Park lawn will remain off limits to protect newly laid sod and seeded areas. However, park visitors can use the sidewalks to access the carousel and playground.

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